SFI’s footprint in the Western Hemisphere is growing. In June, the company opened an office in Guatemala as part of the expansion of nearshoring network, which gives retailers and brands more flexible supply chain options and a wider range of apparel product categories.

Timing is everything in apparel. Manufacturers and brands can realize a significant savings in production time with SFI’s regional network of reliable nearshoring sourcing solutions that can save 6 to 7 weeks transportation time compared to producing in Asia. That reduction in production time means SFI customers can react to trends in real time, better schedule in-store deliveries and avoid retail markdowns.

Furthermore, SFI has an experienced digital product creation team, as well as strategic partnerships with 3D design software companies Browzwear and CLO, to assist retailers and brands develop and adjust samples digitally, accelerating the pattern-making process to move styles into production faster.

Alejandro Arias, SFI’s Vice President Sourcing, Central America, is tasked with expanding SFI’s reach in Central America, as well as by product category beyond denim into ready-to-wear, including tops and bottoms as well as both knits and wovens.

“There is extensive apparel production skill and experience across Central America, not just in denim, but also a wide range of garments,” Arias says. “The proximity to the U.S. and the opportunity to take advantage of existing trade agreements offers both time and cost savings for companies looking to move manufacturing closer to the point of sale. SFI’s nearshoring network allows brands and retailers to make strategic sourcing decisions that maximize flexibility and minimize risk.”

The new office adds Central America to SFI’s growing nearshoring network that already includes Mexico and Los Angeles.

“Speed, flexibility and service are increasingly important for our customers,” says Sergio Turbay, SFI’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Strategy. “They need local expertise in the Western Hemisphere to facilitate sourcing in the region, which is why SFI has been investing in people and resources to build a design development and production network that works seamlessly across the U.S., Mexico and, now, Central America. This allows our customers to curate a supply chain that meets cost, delivery, trend and sustainability targets.”

At the center of this nearshoring expansion strategy is SFI. The Los Angeles-based factory and design development hub provides full-service washing, dyeing and finishing, as well as digital product creation, full-package production and design development services, for a growing base of international brands and retailers.

SFI’s nearshoring network is committed to quality and sustainability, with a supply of fabric sourced in the U.S., Mexico or Central America. This is especially valuable for companies looking to take advantage of the tariff savings under the United States – Mexico – Canada Agreement (USMCA) and the Dominican Republic-Central America FTA (CAFTA-DR) trade agreements.